Advanced Diploma in Ministry

Purpose

This Advanced Diploma in Ministry is intended to provide prospective candidates for the ministry in the church with a professional preparation for ministry. As such it offers an intense, focused, and applied interaction with theological disciplines so as to provide graduates with a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in relation to ministerial praxis within an Anglican environment. The Advanced Diploma in Ministry seeks to build on the prospective candidates' prior engagement with theological studies to equip them to function as acknowledged leaders in church and society and as agents of transformation.

Rationale

The Church believes in the principle that theological education and training for discipleship is potentially life-long. Certainly, learning does not come to a halt at the point of ordination or licensing. The Theological Education for the Anglican Communion (TEAC) has made it clear that education and training of ministers needs to continue in some overt form for at least the first three years in which persons are exercising their ministry. It is also considered that there are certain competencies which need to be gained before a person either takes on a post of particular responsibility, or is involved in the training of others for the ministry concerned.

The Advanced Diploma in Ministry provides recognition to learners who have proved themselves as competent to offer ministry and leadership within both church and society. It offers an opportunity to develop the practical and ministerial application of theoretical learning in a manner that promotes personal and societal transformation. The qualification will therefore be of benefit to those pursuing a vocation in the ordained ministry of the church, and to those actively engaged in lay ministry, particularly within an Anglican environment. The qualification provides evidence that will be of use in the discernment processes used by the church and offers a foundation from which further ministerial formation may occur.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The College of the Transfiguration recognises that learning occurs in various contexts: formal, informal, and non-formal. In line with this principle, Prior Learning may be recognised towards the partial fulfilment of this qualification, or with a view to gaining access to the qualification. Such recognition of prior learning will only be granted where a learner has successfully undertaken an assessment process agreed upon with the College of the Transfiguration. The candidate will be required to demonstrate skills, and competencies already acquired, a cognitive capacity to undertake studies at higher education level, together with a maturity to learn and a commitment to undertake further studies. Such application must be approved by the Academic Board.

Entry Requirements

In order to register for this programme students require one of the following

• Diploma in Philosophy, Religion, and Theology, Level 6.

Or

• Diploma or equivalent qualification at Level 6.

The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules 95 Credits

• Anglican Studies 1, 26 Credits.
• Pastoral Care, 15 Credits.
• Preaching in an Anglican Context, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Studies in Anglicanism, 12 Credits.
• Theology and Development, 30 Credits.

Elective modules (select modules for a minimum of 25 Credits)

• Liturgical Studies, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Ecumenical Studies, 15 Credits.
• Liturgy: Theory and Practice, 15 Credits.
• Transforming Christian Education, 15 Credits.
• Youth Ministry in African Contexts Today, 15 Credits.
• Spiritual Direction, 25 Credits.
• Spiritual Direction as Pastoral Care, 15 Credits.
• Living Religion in Contemporary World, 15 Credits.
• Engage with Living Religions, 15 Credits.
• Christian Ethics, 15 Credits.
• Feminist and Gender Theology, 20 Credits.
• Bible in the World Today, 15 Credits.
• Christianity and Church in Africa, 15 Credits.
• Systematic Theology in Contemporary Perspective, 15 Credits.

1. Evaluate, develop and articulate critical theological thinking with regard to Scripture, Christian Spiritualities, Ethics, Ministry and teaching in relation to contemporary contexts.
2. Undertake and interpret in-depth analysis of various specific contexts in order to formulate appropriate responses to the needs of persons in the community.
3. Reflect on and critically apply knowledge and understanding of Christian theology and ministry in the context of the diverse religious environment of Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Critically describe theological thinking with regard to Scripture, Christian Spiritualities, Ethics, Ministry and Christian teaching in relation to contemporary contexts.
• Apply Christian teaching reflexively in response to practical and theoretical problems encountered in ministerial contexts.
• Assess the impact of different theological models in relation to a variety of social contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of key models of community engagement and leadership participation relevant to contexts encountered in Christian mission and ministry.
• Evaluate a range of skills, techniques, and values appropriate to community engagement and leadership participation in contexts encountered in Christian mission and ministry.
• Reflexively apply knowledge and understanding of community engagement and leadership participation to effectively identify and address contextual needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Investigate the diverse religious environment of Africa.
• Engage critically with Christian theology and ministry in response to diversity and complexity.
• Demonstrate social awareness and respect for others in the theoretical and practical application of Christian theology and ministry in Church and Society.

Integrated Assessment

A variety of methods are utilised for both formative and summative assessments in each course belonging to the learning programme that leads to this qualification. Wherever possible these methods reflect authentic tasks and situations relating to the purpose of the qualification. The methods used include oral, written, individual, and group work such as presentations, role plays, Bible Studies, reports, reflections, portfolios, etc. Assessors are required to design and utilise assessment practices which are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable in order that no learner is disadvantaged and to ensure the integration of theoretical and practical components.